Chorale and Credo Tour Brings Mission to Life in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and Ireland
This summer, 30 students from Cornerstone University’s Chorale and Credo crossed the Atlantic with a mission beyond performance — sharing the gospel through music in some of the most historic churches across the United Kingdom.
Chorale tours are designed to stretch students musically and spiritually by performing challenging repertoire and ministering through the intentional message of the lyrics. This year’s tour was no exception.
Led by Chorale Director Dr. Kent Walters, professor of music and director of music programs at Cornerstone University, the experience was marked by excellence and ministry. “This tour was an incredible experience on every level,” said Walters. “Our students performed with remarkable professionalism and ministered with humility and grace in each concert and worship service. They represented the LORD and Cornerstone University with excellence, and God used them to impact multitudes. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
The 2025 tour, themed Hallelujah, unfolded in four expressions of praise: Almighty Savior, Incarnation Son, Faithful Friend, and Victorious King. Anchored in Psalm 34:1–3, it became a journey of worship, musical growth, and cultural immersion.
The Chorale sang Choral Evensong in collaboration with the choir at Christ Church Morningside in Edinburgh, one of many moments that connected musical expression with centuries of sacred tradition. Students also visited and performed in key cities across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland, including concerts at St Mary Abbots Church in London and the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Other highlights included visits to Liverpool, Stirling, Loch Lomond, Glasgow, and Downpatrick. In London, students explored historic sites like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and attended Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey.
The immersive tour also offered opportunities to learn about church history, architecture, and culture while experiencing God’s beauty through music shared in an international setting.
Each performance — mostly a cappella and set in acoustically magnificent spaces — reflected The Cornerstone Advantage™, Cornerstone’s integrated educational and market/ministry-ready model combining moral formation, academic excellence, leadership development, experiential learning, and talent growth.
Philip Stopford, preeminent British choral composer and conductor, reflected the sentiment of many of the tour guest hosts saying, “I have worked with many choirs all across the globe, and I can say, hand on heart, this choir is one of the very best.”
The tour also left a lasting personal, deeply spiritual and professional impact on the students.
“Being able to worship with believers from around the world gave me a glimpse of heaven. I’m grateful for my tour experience because I saw God’s will unfold.” — Bergen Lindahl (BSW ’25)
“I’m so thankful that I was given this opportunity to travel with my Chorale family to bring the message of the gospel to the United Kingdom!” — Abigail Byykkonen (’28)
“This was more than a trip — it was an experience that showed me how God uses music and community to advance His Kingdom.” — Anastasia Kurtz (’28)
“I was able to learn the story of worship and God’s work within those walls through the stories of Chorale members and those impacted by our music.” — Nasko Cleland (’27)
Through every note, every lyric, and every moment of worship, students demonstrated what it means to be prepared for life, career, and calling — ready to influence the world for Jesus Christ. That’s The Cornerstone Advantage™, in full harmony.
View full tour host and student comments for their inspiring praise.
Cornerstone University offers robust music pathways that allow you to grow your gifts, lead in worship, and inspire others on campus, locally and globally. From Chorale and Credo to Symphonic Winds and Chapel Worship teams, you’ll find rich opportunities to create and glorify God through music.
If you are interested in Cornerstone University’s degree programs or participation in choral or music ministry opportunities, please contact admissions@cornerstone.edu.
